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Ever wondered what the best flowers and plants are for your garden? Search our extensive database of frequently asked questions - and their answers! Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| Native Grasses | Carex as a shady turf alternative in Austin November 10, 2009 I just read your answer to Barbara Medford's question about what multi-species native grasses would work to create a shady lawn. While you had some wonderful suggestions you mention a homeowner's associations might not take kindly to them. I would like to recommend to the both of you to try different species of native sedge. When I lived in Austin I used Carex retroflexa from a local nursery under my live oak. It was evergreen & I found it was best to trim the areas that received foot traffic once a year (just as they were setting seed). View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Failure to thrive of newly planted magnolia in Irving TX November 10, 2009 I planted four Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) in my back yard during first week of October 2009. One of them seem to be dying because its leaves have turned very brown and the leaves are curling inwards. These are planted in ZIP 75062 which falls under zone 7b. Could you please help me save this shrub? Of late there was surplus rain. The soil is just moist and not water logged. Same soil condition with other magnolias. Please help. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | The perfect tree for San Rafael CA November 10, 2009 Want to plant a tree that is slow growing and has shallow root system that won't lift the concrete, that does not shed, and is green throughout the year. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Plant for science experiment from Kentfield CA November 10, 2009 What is a fast growing plant I should use for a science experiment? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Tree purchased at LBJWC plant sale from Austin November 10, 2009 I bought a tree at the 2008 LBJ Wildflower plant sale, it is growing great. I would like to plant it in the proper location/soil but lost the name tag and can't identify it. It has very fine leaves, has stickers and grown in several directions, not normal branches. Maybe you can identify it or I can send a pic. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants, Wildlife Gardening | Latin name for botany mist in McAllen TX November 10, 2009 What is the latin name or formal name of botany mist which is a Queen butterfly nectar source in the Rio Grande Valley? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Does deer repellant really work from Hope NJ November 10, 2009 Does Deer Stopper by Messina Wildlife really work as an organic pest repellent? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Grasses, Native Plants | Plants to stabilize a steep slope in east Texas November 09, 2009 We have a very steep dirt dam in Winnsboro TX, full sun, and burmuda and rye grasses have not been enough to keep from having some mud sliding. We keep adding clay and reworking but want to preserve the dam and 3 acre pond. What plantings do you suggest for full sun that will help prevent erosion. There are deer in the area. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Disease | Problems with Agave americana in Comfort TX November 09, 2009 We have lost a huge agave americana and are not able to find out what to do for our others. The one we lost was rotted or eaten (beetles?) at the base and the whole thing just fell over. We have a lot of very big ones and don't want to lose any more. Is there some treatment we should use? We cannot find any information or help with this. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants, Plant Propagation, Wildflowers | Finding Viguiera dentata seeds or plants. November 09, 2009 I'm trying to locate seeds or plants of Viguiera Dentata, but have been unsuccessful. With the poliferation of these beautiful flowers this fall, I don't understand why I can't locate them. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find them? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
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